Well, those Chinese are at it again. Messing with our stock market. Dow closed some 300-400 points down.
Again!
It’s kind of nerve wracking, isn’t it?
Up, down, buy, sell, trade; good grief!
There are so many things which affect the stock market. Economies of other nations, friend or foe, can directly or indirectly have a bearing on how our stocks are traded.
I’m not an economist, nor do I pretend to be a wise trader. Other people do that stuff for me. I’m no where near the likes of Warren Buffet, Dave Ramsey, or anyone else who’s known for their expertise in the realm of finances.
But I have learned a few things.
God’s economy does not depend upon the NYSE. It’s not governed by the Federal Reserve Board. Neither threats of war nor promises of peace affect the flow of God’s resources.
Sure, like everyone else, I want to see the stock market do well. And I hate to see others lose lots of money when things take a dive.
But Jesus warned us about the craziness of trusting in the uncertainty of riches. Paul told those who would listen that the love of money is the root of all evil. Peter reminded us that everything we see will one day be destroyed by a fantastic fire.
So what about God’s economy? How can I live in this world, with its ups and downs, yet still tap into the blessings of God?
First thing to understand: God is not a counterfeiter! Nor is He stingy. He’s also not a hoarder, or a person who thinks only about His own wants and needs.
God is RICH to ALL who call upon Him! (Romans 10:12)
Even if all 7 billion people cried out to God for the exact same thing, at the exact same time, He would have more than enough to meet everyone’s need; with gobs to spare!
He is RICH!
The number one way to connect to God’s economy is to nurture your heart until it becomes like His. In other words, learn how to release your grip on money and things, and become a giver like God.
A person who is tight fisted will never open their hand wide enough to receive from God, or anyone else.
When your arms are wrapped tightly around your possessions, whether it be stuff, family, money, or whatever; you’ll never be in position to embrace God’s provision.
Giving is how the kingdom of God operates. Giving by faith, and as the Lord directs.
Here are a few passages which will help explain what I’ve just said:
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6 ESV)
Very familiar passage, but look down the page just a few short verses.
“Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine.” (Proverbs 3:9-10 ESV)
I’m not even going to mention the principle of tithing. Honor the Lord with what you have and what you get. Honor? Well, how would the Lord use your stuff? What would Jesus do with your paychecks, and with your savings account?
“One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want. Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.” (Proverbs 11:24-25 ESV)
“Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed.” (Proverbs 19:17 ESV)
The Lord will repay, and He NEVER reneges on a promise.
“The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. As it is written, “He has distributed freely, he has given to the poor; his righteousness endures forever.” He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness.” (2 Corinthians 9:6-10 ESV)
I’ve written a book, available in both eBook and paperback versions, titled “Breaking the Spirit of Poverty with the Spirit of Generosity.” It’s not a get rich quick, or at all, kind of book; but it’s loaded with principles and examples of how to live according to God’s economy, even when the world around you is going insane.
It’s available at Amazon.com, or you can go to the “Our Books” page, click the picture of the book, and be ushered to the exact product page. For a quick easy connection, click the “Link To Amazon” link below.
There are several reasons why Jesus said, “It’s more blessed to give than receive.” I believe the main one is that it’s the doorway for you and I to participate in His economy.
Here’s what the book cover looks like:
Jan Grace 